Citizens Advice Allerdale has received a boost of £10,000 to help recruit and train a new cohort of volunteers.

Funding has come from the Coalfields Community Investment Programme, delivered by the Coalfields Regeneration Trust.

CA Allerdale offers free advice on a wide range of social and financial issues, provides drop-in sessions for residents in Workington and outreach initiatives to engage with the wider community.

Funding officer, Lyndsay Carver, said: “The people of Allerdale rely on our services and come to us with a wide range of challenges that can cover anything from employment to housing and healthcare or advice around pensions and debt.

“With this funding we can expand our resource and continue working with a training supervisor to ensure that each recruit has the necessary skills to help to positively impact the lives of our community members.”

“In order to fulfil our obligations to these communities, we need a dedicated team that are fully trained and can deliver professional advice. It is essential that we find robust problem solvers that can join our supportive network,” she added.

The training plan for volunteers includes self-study packs; online modules; off-site training days, giving advice face-to-face; telephone support; campaigning and research and administration duties.

Development manager for the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, Lynn Utting, said: “The sheer volume of queries received by Citizens Advice Allerdale demonstrates how valuable their services are to the local residents.

“Redirecting funds to expand the network of volunteers at Citizens Advice Allerdale was an easy decision for us to make, but we know more has to be done. As a result, we are calling on the government to create a dedicated Coalfields Investment Fund so we can scale up our support and have a lasting impact for future generations to come.

“Without organisations like this, these people wouldn’t know where to turn and would be left helpless.”

For further details about the Coalfields Community Investment Programme (CCIP) please visit https://www.coalfields-regen.org.uk/england_support/funding-support/.